Sapphire Coast netball Christian Bownds is one of three South Coast products named to take part in a special South Coast Blaze talent identification program.
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Program officials said the South Coast Blaze had partnered with Kiama, Shoalhaven and Illawarra District Netball Associations to put the call out for players between 14 and 18 to trial for the special Youth Male Talent Program.
However, the restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the trials from going ahead and the male program will merge with the female talent program this year with new session dates to be confirmed in the coming months.
However, officials said Christian was one of a trio of boys who were just too talented to overlook.
"Even though it is unfortunate that we weren't able to have trials for the male youth talent program this year, three applicants were strong enough that we felt it would be remiss not to have them join our female Talent Identification Program," South Coast Blaze chairperson Karina Franke said.
"Our purpose is to provide elite pathways for netball players on the South Coast, so having skilled male players join our talent program is not only important for their development, it is also important for the development of the sport in our region."
Christian will form part of the Blaze's junior squad, while Shoalhaven's Mayson Griffith and Thomas Hogdkins will join the senior roster.
These three male youth players will join 49 female players who were announced in the Talent Identification Program Junior and Senior Squads last week. The TIP Squads will receive specialist coaching from elite netballers, including former Sydney Swifts stars Nat Behl (nee Sloane) and Kimberlee Gilmour, and former UK Netball Superleague player, Donna Fearon.
South Coast Blaze officials also said the coaching team from their planned male talent program would remain an integral part of the TIP program.
Coaches set to feature in the program include Blaze Opens Head Coach, Marji Parr; South Coast Blaze Opens Assistant Coach and NSW Men's Reserve player, Dennis Napara; Blaze Under 23s Assistant Coach and Australian and NSW Men's Opens player, Eugene Lee; Shoalhaven U17s Rep Coach and NSW Men's Reserve player, Sean Gray; and Illawarra Opens Rep Coach and former NSW Men's player, Heath Sangster.
The Blaze is a new franchise in the NSW Premier League and they've hit the ground running to identify potential future stars.
If you are interested in finding out more about South Coast Blaze talent programs, visit www.southcoastblaze.com.au.
